51To Alexander Hamilton from Baron von Humboldt, [27 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Il aurait été un moment bien interessant pour moi que celui de Vous être présenté personnellement, et de Vous offrir le temoignage respectueux de mon devouement. Une reunion de circonstances et l’obligation que j’ai de ne pas retarder la Publication de mes travaux litteraires me font partir pour Paris sans jouir du plaisir de Vous admirer de près et de voir le Cercle interessant dans lequel...
52Aaron Burr to William P. Van Ness, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The last propn. of gen H. is a worse libel than even the letter of Dr C & throughout manifests a disposition to evade. A “letter properly adapted”—Who is to judge of this—Mr B. will judge for himself & thinks his two letters very properly adapted & having expressed himself definitively on that point he is surprized to find it again brought in question. “any particular instance of dishonorable...
53William P. Van Ness to Nathaniel Pendleton, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The letter which you yesterday delivered me and your subsequent communications, in Col Burrs opinion evince no disposition on the part of Genl Hamilton to come to a satisfactory accomodation. The injury complained of and the reparation expected are so definitely expressed in Col: Burr’s letter of the 21st Instant, that there is not perceived a necessity for further explanation on his part. The...
54Nathaniel Pendleton to William P. Van Ness, 26 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated to General Hamilton the letter you did me the honor to write me of this date. The expectations now disclosed as on the part of Colo. Burr, appear to him to have greatly changed and extended the original ground of inquiry, and instead of presenting a particular and definite case for explanation, seem to aim at nothing less than an inquisition into his most confidential, as...
55From Alexander Hamilton to Peter Gerard Stuyvesant, [26 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I should like to see you on the subject of a poor fellow Peter Dunken who says, you have been employed for him & appears unfortunate which is his title to my attention. Yrs. truly ALS , The Rutherford B. Hayes Library, Fremont, Ohio; copy, Columbia University Libraries. Stuyvesant was a New York City landowner. On February 17, 1841, Stuyvesant wrote to John Church Hamilton: “Near forty years...
56Nathaniel Pendleton’s First Account of Alexander Hamilton’s Conversation at John Tayler’s House, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
General Hamilton says he cannot imagine to what Doctr. Cooper may have alluded unless it were to a conversation at Mr. Taylors in Albany last winter, (at which Mr. Taylor he & General H—— were present). Genl H—— cannot recollect distinctly the particulars of that conversation so as to undertake to repeat them, without runing the risk of varying or omitting what might be deemed important...
57Nathaniel Pendleton’s Second Account of Alexander Hamilton’s Conversation at John Tayler’s House, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to a letter properly adapted to obtain from General Hamilton a declaration whether he had charged Colo Burr with any particular instance of dishonorable conduct, or had impeached his private character, either in the conversation alluded to by Doctr. Cooper, or any other particular instance to be specified. He would be able to answer consistently with his Honor, and the truth, in...
58Aaron Burr to William P. Van Ness, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I am disappointed of my ride. If xxx should propose to charge you with any verbal message, you may reply, that being authorised for a particular purpose, you cannot so far exceed your power and assume upon your self as to present to your principal an overture for negociation on a new basis—that you consider the negociation in which you engaged, as concluded and that it would be highly improper...
59Disclaimer for Alexander Hamilton Prepared by William P. Van Ness, [25 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Being apprised that expressions are ascribed to me impeaching the honor and affecting the private reputation of Col. Burr, and perceiving that reports to this effect have been widely disseminated, I feel it due to my own honor, as also to that of a gentleman thus traduced under the sanction of my name, to remove such injurious impressions. I therefore frankly and explicitly disclaim and...
60Aaron Burr’s Instructions to William P. Van Ness, [22–23 June 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
⟨–⟩ of withdrawing the Letter. Impossible unless in lieu of it I should send a Challenge vid. the Hypothesis the defiance a. b. so uncommunicative that p. s. did not till now know his impressions of a H. letter, except by Conjecture. No 7 a. b. far from conceiving that rivalship authorises a latitude not otherwise justifiable, always feels greater delicacy in such cases & would think it...
61To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 23, 1804. In describing the events of this day in his narrative, Van Ness wrote: “I sent a Note to Genl Hamilton’s Office and also to his house.” Notes not found. ] “Van Ness’s Narrative,” AD , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York; ADf , New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
62To Alexander Hamilton from William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
In the afternoon of yesterday I reported to Col. Burr the result of my last interveiw with you, and appointed the evening to receive his further instructions. Some private engagements however prevented me from calling on him ’till this morning. On my return to the City I found upon enquiry both at your office and house, that you had returned to your residence in the Country. Least an interveiw...
63From Alexander Hamilton to William P. Van Ness, 23 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I was in Town to day till half past one. I thank you for the delicacy which dictated your note to me. If it is indispensable the communication should be made before Monday Morning, I must receive it here. But I should think this cannot be important. On monday by Nine I shall be in Town at my house in Cæder Street No 52, where I should be glad to see you. An additional reason for preferring...
64From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, 22 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Your first letter, in a style too peremptory, made a demand, in my opinion, unprecedented and unwarrantable. My answer, pointing out the embarrassment, gave you an opportunity to take a less exceptionable course. You have not chosen to do it, but by your last letter, received this day, containing expressions indecorous and improper, you have increased the difficulties to explanation,...
65To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 22 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. V Ness has this evening reported to me Verbally that you refuse to answer my last letter, that you consider the course I have taken as intemperate and unnecessary and some other conversation which it is improper that I should notice. My request to you was in the first instance proposed in a form the most simple in order that you might give to the affair that course to which you might be...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 21 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. inst. has been this day received. Having Considered it attentively I regret to find in it nothing of that sincerity and delicacy which you profess to Value. Political opposition can never absolve Gentlemen from the necessity of a rigid adherence to the laws of honor and the rules of decorum: I neither claim such priviledge nor indulge it in others. The Common sense of...
67From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Burr, 20 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have maturely reflected on the subject of your letter of the 18th instant; and the more I have reflected the more I have become convinced, that I could not, without manifest impropriety, make the avowal or disavowal which you seem to think necessary. The clause pointed out by Mr. Van Ness is in these terms “I could detail to you a still more despicable opinion , which General Hamilton has...
68To Alexander Hamilton from Aaron Burr, 18 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I send for your perusal a letter signed Ch. D. Cooper which, though apparently published some time ago, has but very recently come to my knowledge. Mr Van Ness who does me the favor to deliver this, will point out to you that Clause of the letter to which I particularly request your attention. You might perceive, Sir, the necessity of a prompt and unqualified acknowledgment or denial of the...
69To Alexander Hamilton from John Johnston, 1 June 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
June 1, 1804. “You may recollect that previous to Mr Caines marriage with my sister Mrs Verplanck, I applied to you and Mr Charles Wilkes to become trustees together with Mr Keese in a marriage settlement.… I am induced to request you to take such steps as you may think necessary to secure the property vested in you by the settlement.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. George Caines,...
70To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Sedgwick, [24 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Stockbridge, Massachusetts, May 24, 1804. On July 10, 1804, Hamilton wrote to Sedgwick : “I have received two letters from you … that of the latest date being the 24 of May.” Letter not found. ]
71To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Du Buc de Marentille, 23 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Si, comme je l’espère, vous avez trouvé mon manuscrit, Je vous Serai obligé de vouloir bien le remettre à la personne qui vous délivrera cette lettre Sous mon couvert. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec les Sentimens les plus distingués, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Du Buc de Marentille had served in the French army during the...
72To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Jones, 21 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] May 21, 1804 . Asks Hamilton to answer questions concerning David Lydig’s “rights to the Bronx River, and how far those rights are affected by the Lease to Doctor J. Brown.…” ALS , anonymous donor; LS , New York State Library, Albany. Jones, who lived in Oyster Bay, New York, was comptroller of New York State from 1797 to 1800. He had been a member of the Continental Congress, the...
73From Alexander Hamilton to Victor Marie Du Pont de Nemours, 12 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I now send you my bond with condition for the payment of One thousand & Twenty seven Dollars & seventy Eight Cents; which sum is thus composed— Ballance of principal and interest beyond my notes Ds. 60.23 Difference between simple & compound Interest 967.55 Ds 1027.78 The statement delivered to you some time since will explain this result. The Bond bears interest only from the first of...
74From Alexander Hamilton to Gouverneur Morris, [7–11 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 7–11, 1804. On May 7–11, 1804, H wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton : “… if Morris will come. Send him the enclosed note.” Letter not found. ]
75From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [7–11 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On Sunday Bonaparte & wife with the Judges will dine with you. We shall be 16 in number if Morris will come. Send him the enclosed note on horseback, this Evening, that James may bring me an answer in the morning. He is promised the little horse to return. If not prevented by the cleaning of your house I hope the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow. Let the waggon as well as the Coachee come in on...
76From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Guen, [6 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 6, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai.” Letter not found. ]
77Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman to Richard Varick, Jacob Radcliff, and Anthony Dey, 3 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Having attentively considered the subject of your letter of the 19th April last, and the questions submitted to us, we shall now communicate the result of our reflections on the several questions in the order they are stated. Question 1. Have the Corporation of New York any title to the land under the water of Hudson’s River opposite to and adjoining Powles Hook? Answer. Comparing the...
78To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 2 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morrisville, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “J’ai hier recu Votre Lettre du 6. mai … La quelle m’accuse reception de la Mienne du 2.” Letter not found. ]
79Jacob Radcliff to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 1 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
It being deemed important to obtain an early opinion on some of the points submitted to you, the gent’n associated with me will thank you for an answer, at present to the questions stated on the enclosed paper. The other points concerning the claim of property or Jurisdiction of this state to the land under water require perhaps too much investigation to be immediately disposed of, and are...
80Enclosure: Questions Submitted to Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Hoffman, [1 May 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Questions submitted to Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Hoffman, in the foregoing letter: 1. Have the Corporation of New York any title to the land under the water of Hudson River opposite to and adjoining Powles Hook? 2. Have not Congress the power to make Powles Hook a Port of Entry? 3. Are the covenants contained in the draft submitted and marked No. I proper on the part of the proprietors and valid in...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Van Vechten, [30 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
In Consequence of a Letter from Mr. Jac. R. Van Rensselaer I have been with the Chancellor in order to have a guardian appointed for ⟨Mr.⟩ Kane’s Daughter, but on acct. of Mr. Kanes absence nothing can be done. The Chancellor requires a Petition from himself or an Atty in fact regularly constituted by him. He however suggests that as there are two Children you may procure a petition including...
82To Alexander Hamilton from Vincent Gray, [28 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Baron Humboldt Supreme counseller of Mines in the service of His Prussian Majesty and Member of the Royal Academy of Science at Berlin, Travelling for the purpose of Advancing the progress of Natural History, being on his return from South America and New Spain, to the Dominions of his Prussian Majesty, by way of the United States, I take leave to recommend him to your particular friendship...
83From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Wilkes, [26 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Grange, New York, April 26, 1804. “I would not pronounce against the power of the Directors to go into the operation you mention; but I think it liable to so much question as hardly to be advisable without the sanction of the stock holders at a general meeting. I should perceive no difficulty in their giving a gross sum out of their profits for the renewal or extention of their charter. The...
84Enclosure: Charles D. Cooper to Philip Schuyler, [23 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
The malignant attack which my character has sustained in an anonymous hand-bill, to which your letter of the 21st inst. directed to the chairman of the Federal electioneering committee of this city is annexed; and in which you contradict certain facts contained in a letter, said to have been written by me to Andrew Brown , Esq. of Bern, will be my apology for repelling the unfounded aspersions...
85Associates of the Jersey Company to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, [20 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ April 20, 1804. “Probably it will be wholly out of our power to induce Mr. Van Vorst, from whom we purchased, to accept to any other property instead of a mortgage of the premises to secure his annuity, and he will certainly not allow it to be extinguished by accepting any equivalent. We are therefore obliged to provide the best security to purchasers which the case will admit, and we are...
86To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 20 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Having been induced to undertake the publication of a daily gazette in this city, I have not hesitated to number you among its Patrons—and under this impression, I now presume to enclose to you a copy of the prospectus, and to request, as far as may consist with convenience, your aid in promoting the subscription in New-York. The objects of the paper are generally detailed in the prospectus....
87Jacob Radcliff to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 20 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ April 20, 1804. “As to any right of property claimed by the corporation of this City to the land under water we have ourselves no doubt that it is wholly unfounded, and if you should be of the same opinion we wish it to be expressed. This will in the first instance depend on the Charter of this City. With respect to the claim of jurisdiction by this State we at present wish your opinion only...
88From Alexander Hamilton to Philip Jeremiah Schuyler, 20 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I did not write to you on the subject of the awards, because I was in correspondence with Mr. Jacob Van Rensselaer respecting the matter. He has sent me the draughts of deeds which I shall in a few days inspect, and return with such suggestions as may be requisite. The things most urgent are 1. The completion of the survey, which Mr. R. writes me is in train. 2. The appointment of a guardian...
89Associates of the Jersey Company to Alexander Hamilton and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 19 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ April 19, 1804. “Sometime since Powles Hook was purchased for our mutual benefit from Mr. Van Vorst at a rent charge upon the whole of $6000 per annum forever. We have agreed to lay it out into town lots and dispose of it to purchasers, receiving a rent charge upon each lot. We are desirous to give to each purchaser a good and sufficient deed of conveyance, and also to provide for the...
90Receipt from John Laurance, [16 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Recd april 16 1804 from A Hamilton Esqr Eighty Eight Dollars and Eighty Eight Cents two third parts of Mr Bogerts Bill in the Chancery Cause for the Lands of Mark. 88 88 100 DS ADS , Yale University Library. This document is a receipt for John B. Church’s and H’s share of the complainant’s costs in the Chancery suit of Robert Gilchrist v Jacob Mark, John Laurance, and others . For information...
91From Alexander Hamilton to ———, 13 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
The post of to day brought me a letter from you, and another from Mr. ——. I have no doubt but the latter would serve you if he could; but he cannot at this time. On the whole I would advise you to return to New-York, and accept any respectable employment in your way, ’till an opportunity of something better shall occur. ’Tis by patience and perseverance that we can expect to vanquish...
92From Alexander Hamilton to Louis Le Guen, 10 April 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, April 10, 1804. On July 12, 1804, Le Guen wrote to Hamilton : “Vous m’aves fait La remise Le 10. avril dernier.” Letter not found. ]
93From Alexander Hamilton to Robert R. Livingston, [10 April 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
You were probably acquainted in this Country with Colonel Toussard who will have the honor of delivering you this letter. He has filled several stations in our Military service at different periods and always with much credit to himself and advantage to the service. During our revolutionary war he lost an arm in an action in which he displayed much zeal and bravery, and to my knowlege was...
94To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 26 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Testimonials in favor of Mr. Ellery & Mr. Alexander, which flatter my pride & gratify my affections, because they bring me Evidence of your remembrance, & inform me that you repose some confidence in the assurance, by which I am bound to receive your Commands, & to Honor your recommendation. The merited repute of this Interesting portal, to worlds known & unexplored, is...
95From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, [25 March 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Presuming on the acquaintance, from which I derived so much pleasure during your stay in this Country, I am going to take a very great liberty. It concerns a near relation of mine, Mr. Alexander Hamilton, now a prisoner of war on parol, at Paris. His brother, from whom I have just received a letter informs me, that being upon a visit to the Continent as a Traveller, he was overtaken by the war...
96To Alexander Hamilton from Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, [25 March 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
[ March 25, 1804. The calendar description of this letter reads: “presenting a pair of horses.” Letter not found. ] Philip Hamilton’s calendar of letters “taken by my brother Alexr Hamilton from the House of my sister E[liza] H Holly immediately after her death without any colour of right or authority,” December 30, 1859 ( AD , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). Van Rensselaer, a resident...
97To Alexander Hamilton from Archibald Gracie, [23 March 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose a newspaper in which you will find a Copy of the Bill before the Legislature for restraining unincorporated Institutions from Banking. It has occured to me & several Gentlemen with whom I have conversed upon the subject of this bill that it goes much farther than probably the Committee intended it should, and if pass’d into a Law, will prevent Individuals or Partnerships receiving...
98From Alexander Hamilton to Archibald Gracie, [23 March 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
I have perused the Bill & am of opinion that the prohibition will extend only to Associations or Companies of which the primary and essential purpose or end is, to issue notes make discounts &c, in other words, to operate as a Bank, and not to Commercial companies which may incidentally transact such business. Yet there is some degree of Ambiguity on the subject and questions may arise. The...
99To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, 22 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Je Profitte de L’occasion du Cel. Williamson qui Part Pour Newyork Par Le Mail, Pour Vous Aviser, que depuis 10. Jours absent de chés Moy, je nai recu que hier, Votre Lettre du 6. Je ne Sai a quoy devoir Latribuer, Sy Ce nest à la Négligence du directeur de La Poste Office a trenton, il n’en Est pas moins Vraie, que Cella ma Empeschée de Proffiter des Avantages, que Votre attention Génereuse...
100Indenture: Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Hamilton to Catherine Bleecker, John R. Bleecker, Elizabeth Brinckerhoff … (Hamilton Papers)
Albany, March 10, 1804. Convey to the heirs of Rutger Bleecker the land in Cosby Manor which Hamilton had purchased in trust for them in 1797. DS , Oneida County Clerk’s Office, Utica, New York. Bleecker had been an Albany merchant. See “Deed from Peter Goelet, Robert Morris, and William Popham,” April 4, 1797 . See also the introductory note to Philip Schuyler to H, August 31, 1795 , and...